Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

There's something irresistible about a big, creamy bowl of Crack Chicken Penne. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy ranch sauce come together in a dish that's pure comfort food. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it quickly became a go-to meal in my house. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

This easy Crack Chicken Penne is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Let’s dive into what makes it so special!

Why You'll Love This Crack Chicken Penne

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. If you’re looking for an easy, one-pot dinner that the whole family will devour, this recipe is for you.

First off, it’s unbelievably simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours cooking.

This dish is also incredibly budget-friendly. Using basic pantry staples like pasta, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning means you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a satisfying homemade meal.

And let’s talk about the flavor—rich, creamy, and loaded with ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy bacon. If you love the classic Crack Chicken flavors, this pasta version takes it to the next level.

Finally, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day. You’ll definitely want to make extra!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crack Chicken Penne lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a creamy, savory dish that’s hard to resist.

The chicken is the star of the show, and using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps things easy. If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs work just as well. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking.

For the sauce, cream cheese is the secret to its ultra-creamy texture. It melts beautifully into the dish, creating a smooth, luscious coating for the pasta. Full-fat cream cheese works best, but a reduced-fat version can be used if you’re looking for a lighter option.

A generous sprinkle of ranch seasoning gives this dish its signature flavor. The mix of herbs, garlic, and onion powder enhances every bite. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher taste.

To add a crispy, smoky touch, bacon is a must. Cooking it until perfectly crispy before adding it to the pasta ensures you get that satisfying crunch. If you want to save time, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used instead.

Lastly, penne pasta is ideal for this recipe because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce. You can swap it out for rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, but penne ensures every bite is coated in flavor.

How To Make This Crack Chicken Penne

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Let it get nice and crispy, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. Leave a little bit of bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor—it adds a rich depth to the dish.

Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of ranch seasoning. Add it to the same pot and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. The leftover bacon grease helps develop a flavorful sear, so don’t skip this step! Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.

Now, it’s time for the creamy sauce. Add chicken broth, milk, and the remaining ranch seasoning to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer before adding the penne pasta. Let the pasta cook directly in the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method not only saves time but also infuses the pasta with incredible flavor.

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar. They’ll melt into a velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta. At this point, add the cooked chicken and half of the bacon back into the pot, stirring everything together until well combined.

Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining crispy bacon over the top. The total cooking time is about 25 minutes, making this the perfect meal for a fast and satisfying dinner.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this dish!), storing them properly will keep them just as delicious.

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of milk when reheating will bring it back to its original texture.

Freezing is an option, but the cream-based sauce can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store portions in airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crack Chicken Penne is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or to suit dietary needs.

For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

Want to add some veggies? Stir in some fresh spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color, texture, and extra nutrients without taking away from the classic flavors.

If you love spice, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little kick. A dash of hot sauce stirred into the sauce can also amp up the heat.

Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your ranch seasoning mix is free of any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

For a different protein, swap out the chicken for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. This is a great way to use up leftovers and keep things interesting.

No matter how you make it, Crack Chicken Penne is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comfort—perfect for any night of the week.

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